The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Musa Yusuf Garba, psc(+), IIPS, PSPS, at the just concluded General Conference on Maritime Security hosted by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Unit of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos, reiterated the strategic importance of maritime safety

With the theme “Maritime Security: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy”, the AIG commended the ISPS Unit of NIMASA for fostering dialogue, synergy, and strategic partnerships among key players in the maritime sector.

He emphasized that such discussions are critical in achieving full compliance with the ISPS Code, thereby positioning Nigeria as an ISPS-compliant nation which could significantly boost international trade, stimulate economic growth and increase maritime traffic to the country.

AIG Musa Yusuf Garba    Reaffirmed the commitment of the Maritime Police Command, and pledged continued collaboration with all stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime assets, enforce relevant laws and promote a secure environment that supports sustainable economic activity.

He assured that the Command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and ISPS compliance of Nigeria’s ports, as well as maintaining security across the country’s inland waterways.

Terminal Operators and Manager

In  a related development, the AIG hosted managers of Bonded Terminals across Lagos State at the Command Headquarters in Obalende, Lagos; ASP Adebayo Rasheed, Police Public Relations Officer, Maritime Police Command, has disclosed.

The Command PRO further disclosed that  AIG Musa Yusuf Garba emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, through the Maritime Police Command, and terminal managers in curbing crime within the maritime sector. He reassured the terminal managers of his unwavering support whenever necessary, reiterating his commitment to an open-door policy that welcomes engagement and dialogue.

The AIG further stressed that the responsibilities of the Police extend robustly into the maritime domain, where the protection of lives and property remains paramount. He warned against any acts of economic sabotage, stating his zero-tolerance stance and readiness to prosecute offenders operating within the maritime space.

This engagement marks a strategic move towards strengthening partnerships that ensure lawfulness, security, and sustainable economic activities in Nigeria’s maritime sector.